Warilla Duo's Form Leads To State Spots

Illawarra Mercury

Thursday November 20, 2008

By MICHAEL COX

TWO talents from Warilla High School and Warilla Bowling Club's bowls program have achieved state selection after outstanding recent performances.

Kyle Johannes and Suzana Stojcevska (pictured left) travel to Western Australia early next year to play for NSW in a tri-series against South Australia and the host state.

The pair gained selection for the tournament with wins at the recent state titles at Halekulani Bowling Club on the Central Coast.

Stojcevska teamed with Natasha Van Eldik (Raymond Terrace) to win the girls' pairs titles, while Johannes won gold in the boys' triples and silver in the fours.

The success of both athletes is testament to the school's excellent bowls program - but Stojcevska's story shows the strength of the school's relationship with the club.

The 16-year-old went along with a friend "so she had someone to go with" - but coaches at the club soon knew they were dealing with an above-average talent.

Stojcevska said the sport's social aspect had helped her come out of her shell.

"It's fun to go out and meet new people - it's given me confidence," she said.

"I was heaps shy - but when I started playing for NSW I had to start yelling out my bowls and get interactive. I was shy but now I am a lot more confident."

Warilla High School sports co-ordinator Chris Meizer says Stojcevska was identified early on as someone who could play at a high level.

"She had never played before - she was one of the players who we identified," he said. "She has stuck with it through perseverance, hard-work and dedication. They both put in a lot of training and have been away a lot with the club. The representation is all a culmination of their hard work."

© 2008 Illawarra Mercury

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